Slaves, Kentish Town Forum, 14/01/2016

On the evening of the 14th January 2016, a big freeze is due. The biting, nipping, stay-in-bed kind of cold us Brits find homely is descending fast much the way tonight's 2000+ Slaves fans are upon Kentish Town Forum. At long last, some 7 months+ since tickets for tonight's show were snapped up, Slaves will headline one of the capital's coolest venues and it is bound to be the warming up London needs right now.

As promised before the rescheduling of tonight, support is provided by Spring King and Wonk Unit and boy, are they little headliners in their own right. Ones to watch, Spring King, are up first and the four piece race their way through as many songs as they can in their short slot. They've found a winning formula which is recognisable yet super fresh, causing the crowd to ripple with a buzz that's rare to find for a support act. It's Wonk Unit however who really get tonight's party started. Self-proclaimed underground punk heroes, "Daddy Wonk" and his vast crew spill across the stage and bring excitement in the form of songs about nans, horses and builders. The crowd below instantly doubles in size and becomes a sea of mayhem; It's pretty clear that this is the Wonk Unit effect. 

When the lights finally fade to black, the Vengabus horn sounds and the Vengaboys classic We Like To Party blares through the speakers. On dance Isaac and Laurie to One Direction rivaling cheers and it's clear Slaves are here to slay. And slay they do. From The Hunter, to Sockets, to Where's Your Car Debbie?, the duo play faultlessly and it's a true vision to behold. The amount of energy between them is visceral and as they bounce off each other electricity is created to run riot through everyone in the room. It's evident in new song Hypnotise, and B-side In Dog Years Your Dead, that Slaves can't fail in pleasing the crowd. Both burst with trademark Slaves riffs and rhythms and both are winners with everyone in the room. What's more is that Isaac is playing these shows after dislocating his shoulder again (the reason these dates were postponed originally) in the two days previous. Stupid or brave, tonight it doesn't matter because he and Laurie are killing it. As staple closer Hey comes to the end, the pair jump on each other with glee. David Bowie's Heroes plays as they leave the stage and it is obvious to everyone here that Slaves are truly unstoppable.

👑 SLAVES 👑 #rowdy #slayslayslay #dontdislocatethatshoulderson

A video posted by Alice Hoddinott (@kell_soopreez) on Jan 15, 2016 at 3:18am PST

In The Moment: THE BAY RAYS

Photo credit: Dik Ng 

Little is known about The Bay Rays. With just over 300 likes on Facebook and minimal results about them as a band when Googled, you'd think they didn't exist. After a little more searching however, you'll come across their soundcloud and it's here you'll find the infectious Get Together EP. Listening to that is exactly how your love affair with them will start and it's also what will get you dancing like no one is watching. But who exactly are The Bay Rays and what are they about? Well, for a start they're Max, Harry and Anthus and here they are to tell you a little more...

In ten words, who are The Bay Rays? 

We're a British garage-rock/punk three piece from Kent.  

What made you guys start the band and want to play music? 

We all grew up together as close friends and the inspiration for the band came after Harry and Max went on a road trip across America. On this trip we met a lot of musicians who were playing in small bars and they clearly loved doing what they were doing. We were tired of being in other bands where every little detail is over thought and over analysed, it saps the fun out of things and goes against the reasons as to why you wanted to be in a band in the first place. We wanted to start something new where we wrote tunes that we have fun playing, I think you get enjoyment out of watching anybody who is doing something they love, its infectious. A lot of that is lost with bands these days because before they have even got on stage they are already worrying about what other people are going to think of them.

If you could tour with any two bands, who would they be and why? 

Arctic Monkeys – They are constantly evolving and making amazing music. They are also incredible live.Alabama Shakes – incredible musicians and very passionate about what they do. Brittany is probably the best front person in a band at the moment. 

Why should people go and check you out? 

We pride ourselves on being a really good live band, its so disappointing when you love a track and then you see that track live and its not very good! We are also inclusive as people and that is the case at our shows. Its important for us to make sure that when people come and see us play they feel like they are at the best party in town and leave feeling like they’ve been part of something they want to experience again.

So, what more do you need to know!? Head to their soundcloud now and head down to this Friday's Slaves show to see the boys live!

Listen to: Five More Miles

In The Moment: DEMOB HAPPY

Type Demob Happy into google and you'll be greeted by a definition: "feeling elated because one is about to leave a stressful or responsible job or situation." Type Demob Happy into this blog and you'll be greeted by some words which tell you about an awesome band who deserve you're attention right now.

Hailing from the best of places in the UK, Brighton and Newcastle, this quartet groove and slide their way through modern day grunge delights like they invented such a sound alone. Debut album Dream Soda is full of favourites from start to end. Haat De Stank is an electrifying opener, Succubus imbeds itself in your memory and Dream Soda has you dancing like you have no control over your limbs. Meanwhile, most recent single Junk DNA, establishes the band as one's to watch by really showcasing their racket to it's full potential. So at this point you still haven't opened up YouTube to see what they're about? Well what about if we tell you they have all the tones of Nirvana, mixed with the bouyancy of Blur, mixed with something completely new and far more rad? Demob Happy will most definitely be your new favourite band in no time at all. And what's more they've just embarked on a UK-wide tour in support of their album!

Catch the boys in the next two weeks by following THIS link. You'd be a fool not to.

Listen to: Suffer You, Succubus, Dream Soda

Bring Me The Horizon, The Hippodrome, 01/12/2015

Thanks to the wonderful team at Banquet Records, The Hippodrome (situated in Kingston-Upon-Thames) is fast becoming one of the best places to see the biggest and best bands in the alternative game. Recently, this venue has seen the likes of Foals and Don Broco grace it's tiny stage with fans paying bargain prices to see them, and tonight is no different. On the first eve of the Christmas month two massive names are giving their fans an early present and what a bloody lucky bunch of fans they turned out to be.

Pop-punk royalty, Neck Deep, are first up tonight and fresh off a long tour which saw them support Bring Me The Horizon's huge headline dates and headline shows themselves across America, you'd expect them to give a bit of a lack-luster performance. But no, not this bunch of heroes. Right from the minute they get on stage they are bursting with energy ready to make this the perfect start to our night and the perfect end to their live stint. They tear through the likes of Losing Teeth, Kali Ma and Can't Kick Up The Roots, throw in new crowd pleaser Serpents and of course include the always delectable A Part of Me. This is a band that just keep getting sharper, cleaner and more amazing so after a well earned break, 2016 will only see Neck Deep get bigger and better.

After a whirlwind of stage-techs blow across the stage, the lights go out, the music stops and screams erupt. Not even Bring Me The Horizon themselves were ready for the reception they were about to get; it was unreal. You'd think smaller venues like the one tonight would be of no significance to a band that now dominate arenas and festival main stages, but frontman (and beautiful messiah) Oli Sykes, is quick to say how much it means to them that they still get to play to small and adoring crowds. The scene on the floor for the whole night is carnage. Pits open and close without any need of command and people crowd surf their way to their heroes feet like it's no mission at all. Each and every one of the band look ecstatic throughout as they play new anthems Happy Song and Throne, Sempiternal classics such as Shadow Moses and Sleepwalking and even when they throw back to Chelsea Smile they still play their souls out. Following the latter the crowd plead a 2000 strong chant of "pray for plagues" (a song from the band's debut album Count Your Blessings) to which Oli replies something to the effect of  'no, not a fucking chance so you can all just forget it.' The crowd aren't disappointed however as more favourites such as Antivist, True Friends and Blessed With A Curse are piledrived into their earholes. Drown concludes the night in an emotional and epic singalong and every single person in the room is left wide-eyed and smiling from ear to ear.

It's a spectacular sight to behold and an even more spectacular one to hear, and if tonight has taught us one thing it's that Bring Me The Horizon can orchestrate mayhem of any size like no one else can.

👽 BMTH 👽 I waited at least six years for this moment and it was fucking incredible 💞 #SPIRIT #snapchatgrain #sheffieldsfinest

A photo posted by Alice Hoddinott (@kell_soopreez) on Dec 2, 2015 at 5:13am PST

Why All The Noise? Justin Bieber

Recently Justin Bieber has been smashing music records everywhere. From having most songs off one album in the top 40, to most YouTube plays within 0.3463732 milliseconds. Okay that one might have been an exaggeration, but the kid has taken off in bigger ways than anyone would have ever imagined back when he released debut single Baby in 2010.

Back in 2010, he had an unbroken voice and a mop on his head instead of an actual haircut and he appealed to the teenyboppers who would scream and cry at the mere mention of his name. Now, five years on, he's become a bad boy with a point to prove. Tattooed felon and matured musician, Justin Bieber has become a phenomenon. He has thousands upon thousands of "Beliebers" backing him and even those who think he's a little shit now want to listen to his songs. Myself included.

So why all the noise about Justin Bieber? After listening to What Do You Mean? on repeat for a few hours, I gave his new record breaking album Purpose a listen to try and find out why.

Mark My Words is a soft, almost acoustic track which leaves you like putty in Bieber's hands. It establishes a more mature sound and as it rolls into I'll Show You you begin to see why this album is relevant in today's mainstream scene. It has all the vibes that names like The Weeknd and Drake have been bringing to the table and by incorporating such beats, Bieber is making himself more current and lovable than ever. The power duo of Sorry and What Do You Mean? have you dancing and singing along like it's your last chance to because let's face it, they are true catches. Love Yourself is another track which leaves you swooning under Beiber's spell whilst Company has you grooving mindlessly. Where Are U Now? makes a late appearance but it's still as catchy as ever and when combined with Children you've got to accept, Bieber knows how to get you going. A lot of the other tracks on the album, such as album closer and title track Purpose, are supposed to be honest and heartfelt but unfortunately, it just comes across as self-obsessed and cringeworthy.

I suppose Purpose reminds you of who Justin Bieber is; where he started, what he's done and where he is now. Artists who go through 'a journey' like he has, are often watched, scrutinised and loved stronger than other artists are. Justin Bieber owes his phenomenon status to his antics as much as he does his catchy music, but regardless of why he has attained it, he's going to stay at the top for a long time yet, no matter what your opinion of him is.

What Golden Nuggets Have Been Released Since 'That's The Spirit'?

Eagles of Death Metal - Zipper Down
The past few weeks have been incredibly hard for Eagles of Death Metal after their gig at the Bataclan Theatre was the scene of the horrific Paris terror attacks. The band were there touring their new album Zipper Down, a rock n roll extravaganza, one which is totally rad. The album cover alone depicts the sort of naughty antics that run through this album and it's very exciting. Single, Complexity, opens the album followed by the grandiose Silverlake (K.S.O.F.M.). Every second of this album has a classic old-school feel, but the band's swagger make it relevant to now. Skin-Tight Boogie is sexy and The Reverend is dirty and everything else in between is just full of romantic filth. It's just unadulterated awesomeness.
8/10

Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves
This blog first brought your attention to Nothing But Thieves just over a year ago. They were supporting Twin Atlantic and were giving away free EPs to anyone who would take one. They were also made a DOAGA Band of the Week. Now, they are a phenomenal success, selling out any live date they set and being recommended by top music fanatics everywhere. Their debut album, self-title Nothing But Thieves, is nothing short of incredible. It sounds as huge as it does intimate, as strong as it does vulnerable; it is a masterpiece. Conor Mason's vocals are as haunting as ever, through opener Excuse Me, single Trip Switch and bonus track Neon Brother. Every song on this album is worth comment; it is laced in gold and you shouldn't ignore it any longer.
9/10

The St Pierre Snake Invasion - A Hundred Years A Day
Many of you will be unaware of who The St Pierre Snake Invasion are, but that's about to change. TSPSI are a band of Britsolian men making loud, noisy, in-your-face punk madness, and they do so exceptionally well. A Hundred Years A Day is their debut album and it proves why they should be taken notice of. David Ickerumba gets you headbanging, When I See A Sycophant Fly gets you headbanging, Like A Rag To A Red Bull gets you headbanging, really the whole album gets you headbanging. It's angry, it's full of infectious energy and it's insane. Refauxlution and Rock 'N' Roll Workshops also deserve a mention for being solid tunes and this album contains the song title of the year, If The Only Way Is Essex You Can Kill Me Now. If unhinged pandemonium is your thing, this is the album for you.
8/10

One Direction - Made In The A.M.
Zayn is gone,the remaining four are going on hiatus: we never thought it'd be the same again. But Made In The A.M. has proved us all wrong. The album, one which One Direction say has been their favourite to write and record, is full of joy and celebration. The boys have also said that this album is one made for the fans; in that respect it feels like a bit of a farewell present, but even if it is, it's one which will leave fans happy within the hiatus period. Drag Me Down and Perfect are obvious album favourites but there's also something about the raw feel of Never Enough and Olivia that make you far more in love with this album than the singles do. The whole album is a perfect mixture of soft soppy heart-melters and loud happy anthems and it is certainly worthy of being as successful as their prior albums have been.
7/10

Special mention for DOAGA favourites, Slaves, who released an extended cut of their amazing album Are You Satisfied? It includes Live Lounge track, Skepta's Shutdown and an awesome new song called Why Would You? Definitely worth the extra pennies!

That's The Spirit by Bring Me The Horizon

Sheffield's original kings of metalcore, Bring Me The Horizon, are finally back and boy are they vying for Album of the Year. That's The Spirit comes two years after the critically acclaimed Sempiternal and it is HUGE. For their fifth studio album, Bring Me The Horizon wanted do things their way, so the album is self-produced from start to end and the result: bold, brave and big sounds.

The album opens with Doomed and it sounds completely different to anything this band have ever released. But that's no bad thing. "I think we're doomed" cries Oli over vast club-worthy beats but he needn't worry, this band are far from doomed. The album continues into the previously released trio of Happy Song, Throne and True Friends. The cheers of the first are still as exciting as the first time you heard it, Throne is still as monumental as ever and the latter still punches you in the gut until you're throwing up the lyrics in perfect harmony with Oli himself. Follow You is a massive nod to sounds of pop; it's a song that is effortless and romantic and probably the furthest away these boys could get from the days of Count Your Blessings (their 2006 debut). What You Need has a melody which feels uncharacteristically buoyant for Bring Me The Horizon but the lyrics of "you make me wanna slit my wrists and play in my own blood" and a few gnarly riffs bring that mood straight back down and the grizzly nature that make this band what they are is restored. Avalanche is massive and the new version of Drown is to die for but it's the likes of Run, Blasphemy and Oh No that really push the new sound to extreme lengths. There's so much synth (and even some saxophone) but it works because it's entwined with pounding rock undertones. Above all, That's The Spirit embodies a sound this band are passionate about and that is why every single one of these songs is a triumph.

Many people will be terrified by such a big change in style, but that fear is unnecessary. This is still the same band and their roots are still undercurrents for their new sound. The lyrics are still incredibly powerful and the energy is still abundant. That's The Spirit aimed to catapult Bring Me The Horizon into new territories and not only has it done this but it has proven why they are one of the most important bands of their generation.

9/10
Listen to: Throne, What You Need